Delicious and hearty, this African-inspired sweet potato and peanut stew makes a great vegan dinner. It’s surprisingly easy to make and needs just nine ingredients. This one will be a hit with the whole family.
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This incredible African-style sweet potato and peanut stew is a real family favourite here.
It’s unbelievably easy to make and there’s a good chance you have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already.
I’ve made this countless times for my own family, for friends and in my catering work. It always gets a huge thumbs up from everyone.
Here's why we love it so much:
- ridiculously creamy
- tastes incredible
- made in one pan
- great for batch cooking
- 100% vegan ingredients.
The inspiration for this dish
I was first inspired to make this sweet potato stew recipe by new stories coming out of Sudan at the time.
I've never been to Sudan but I have travelled to Uganda, which is to the south of Sudan in east Africa, several times.
While in Africa I ate some incredible peanut sauces and stews. These dishes were some of the most delicious veggie meals I've ever eaten so I had high hopes for this sweet potato and peanut stew.
And I was not disappointed. This African-inspired sweet potato, spinach and peanut stew is so good that we eat it several times a month.
Sudanese food
Sudanese food isn't typically vegetarian, with stews often containing meat or fish. However, as is often the case, it's easy enough to make a dish vegan or vegetarian by swapping a few ingredients.
Sudan is one of the world's largest producers of peanuts - also known as ground nuts. I have used peanut butter in this recipe to make it really easy.
Stews in Sudan are often served with a sorghum porridge. However, you can use rice instead.
Additions
To keep my kids happy I often add Quorn or similar vegan chicken-style pieces to this stew.
The following are all good additions to this stew:
- chickpeas (for some extra protein)
- soaked red skin peanuts (to make it extra nutty)
- vegan or vegetarian chicken-style pieces
Difficulty
This stew is very easy to make.
In fact the whole dish is made in one pan - got to love a one-pan dinner right?
As a busy mum of three kids I am always looking for ways to cut down on the washing up.
There are no complicated steps involved in this recipe and you’ll have enough time to load up the dishwasher while the sweet potatoes cook.
Serving suggestions
As mentioned above a stew like this would traditionally be served with sorghum porridge. Sorghum is a cereal grain that is a staple crop in Africa. Read more about sorghum
Sorghum isn’t very common in the UK, although if you live in London or a big city with an African population, you should be able to find it.
So I prefer to serve my sweet potato and peanut stew with another grain such as:
- rice
- flatbread
- quinoa, or
- cous cous.
It also goes really well with a crunchy cabbage salad, a bean dish and/or baked plantain.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
More recipes you might like
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Ingredients
For full recipe, ingredients and quantities go to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 400g (14 oz) tinned chopped tomatoes
- 500 ml (2 ¼ cups) hot vegetable stock
- 100 g (3 cups) spinach leaves, shredded or frozen
- 120 g (half cup) peanut butter
Equipment
You don't need any special equipment to make this recipe. All you'll need is:
How to make sweet potato and peanut stew
For full recipe, ingredients and quantities go to the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
1. Fry 1 chopped onion in olive oil for 10 minutes until soft
2. Add 2 cloves chopped garlic and continue to fry for 1-2 minutes
3. Add 2 tablespoons tomato puree, 4 peeled and chopped sweet potatoes and a 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
4. Pour in 500ml hot vegetable stock
5. Cook for around 15 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are soft
6. Add 100g spinach and 120g peanut butter
7. Stir well and cook for five minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. If liked you can add a tin of chickpeas
9. Or some vegan Quorn chicken pieces.
If you've made this recipe please a star rating and comment below. Thank you!
Please do not reproduce this recipe without permission.
Sudanese sweet potato, spinach and peanut stew
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sunflower oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 4 medium sweet potatoes peeled and chopped into bite-size pieces
- 400 g tinned chopped tomatoes
- 500 ml boiling vegetable stock
- 100 g shredded spinach leaves fresh or frozen
- 120 g peanut butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional extras
- chickpeas
- vegan chicken-style pieces
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat.
- Add a chopped onion and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often, until soft.
- Add 2 cloves of chopped garlic, stir, and cook for a further 1-2 minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons tomato purée, four chopped sweet potatoes, a 400g tin of chopped tomatoes and 500ml hot vegetable stock.
- Stir well, bring the boil, then cover and reduce the heat. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are cooked through.
- Add 100g shredded or frozen spinach and 120g peanut butter and stir well. Cook for 5 more minutes.
- If using add the chickpeas and continue to warm through until cooked. If adding vegan chicken-style pieces check the packet instructions for cooking times.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve with rice or bread or a sorghum porridge to make it really authentic.
- This dish keeps well so can be made in advance and also freezes well*.
Notes
- *Defrost in the fridge or at room temperature as the sweet potato breaks down if you defrost in the microwave.
- Nutritional information is approximate and is intended as a guide only.
Nutrition
Pin African sweet potato and peanut stew for later
Here are some more recipes that you might like:
- Syrian red pepper dip with yoghurt flatbreads
- Vegan rainbow vegetable filo pie
- Pasipasi Kpedekpede Na Passio
- Syrian mint lemonade
- Syrian stuffed red peppers.
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS RECIPE?
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Cynthia
Delicious! I had made this recipe awhile ago and my family keeps begging me to make again. 💕
Mandy Mazliah
So happy to hear that Cynthia!
Margaret
I just made this exactly as written. It was fantastic.
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks Margaret - so glad you enjoyed it x
Ashley
This looks delicious. I want to try it out this weekend for a date. Any wine pairing recommendations for this dish? Thanks!
Mandy Mazliah
Hope you enjoy it Ashley - I'm sorry but wine pairing is not my area of expertise. I'd love to hear what you tried though.
Isabelle
Mandy, thank you for sharing such a flavorful recipe. Easy to prepare when looking for a hearty comforting meal. Did half of the portion for dinner for my husband and me. Added cooked green lentils. Delicious! Next attempt will be with pumpkin instead of the sweet potato.
Mandy Mazliah
So glad you enjoyed it Isabelle - this is one of my favourite recipes too
Corey Drake
It was good enough, but my wife and I agreed that it needed more. I was surprised that not a single spice was included, but I stuck to the recipe anyway. It came out kind of bland.
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Corey, sorry to hear you found it bland - we love this meal just as it is. Maybe if you make it again you could up the seasoning or add some ground cinnamon or chilli?
Kui Apuruot
Hello, I’m Sudanese we do add spices into our dishes.. in anything dish we can we add spice that’s what us Sudanese do lol maybe it’s because the recipe is written online but when it’s made at home by my Sudanese mom we definitely do it brings all the flavours together☺️😋
Mandy Mazliah
What spices do you usually use?
Hakeem
I would love to know what kind of spices you would add. Thank you!
Rachel
I googled Sudanese spices and added cumin, cinnamon, and coriander based on my search (in addition to salt and pepper). I didn't have cardamom but that is also one of the top 5 spices in Sudanese food based on a quick search (the fifth being pepper).
This recipe was easy and very delicious once I added the spices. Okay as is too, but yes rather bland.
Louise
I made this stew a few nights ago and it was absolutely delicious and so easy to make. This will definitely become a regular in our house. Thank you!
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Louise - that's so good to hear!
Charlie Wickham
One of my favourite dishes ever! Glad to have found a great recipe for it so I can use it in the future!
Mandy Mazliah
Glad you enjoyed it so much Charlie!
Jessica Cantoni
My whole family enjoyed this recipe, including the one-year old! He’s a big peanut butter fan! Will 100% be making again and batch-freezing it! xx
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks so much Jess - I'm so happy that you loved the peanut stew!
Zeke Khali
Love the dish and its theme. #Sudan
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks Zeke - it's a great one
Claire
LOOks super delicious! Any hints on how one might make it in a slow cooker?
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Claire, I’m afraid I have no idea as I’ve never used a slow cooker! Sorry.
Cassie
Delicious, thank you!
Mandy Mazliah
So glad you enjoyed it x
Jane
I made this at the weekend and it was a triumph. Have shared the recipe with a couple of friends already. Will definitely make again. So easy and very tasty.
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks so much for commenting Jane - I'm really glad that you enjoyed the dish!
Clare
This was so easy to make and delicious. A real hit with the family. I'll definitely be making this again!
I halved the recipe for my husband, our 5 year old and me, served with rice and still have an extra portion for the freezer.
Mandy Mazliah
I'm so glad you enjoyed it Clare - thanks for commenting
Jade
This is amazing! My mom is kinda weary of my wanting to be vegan because I'm still growing and she has some concerns, but she finally came around when I started making a few of your recipes! She's in love with the pasta I made for tonight, which is just regular pasta with the Sudanese stew (processed until smooth with olive oil, salt, and garlic to taste) I also added tahini which made it super creamy. Thank you!
Mandy Mazliah
So glad Jade! This is one of my favourite ever meals but I haven't tried it with pasta. X
Carrie
This looks delicious! I love anything with the sweet potato/spinach combo.
Did you use smooth or crunchy peanut butter? Thanks.
Mandy Mazliah
Hi carrie, I use crunchy but you can use either! Hope you enjoy x
Naomi
could pumpkin be used instead of sweet potato?
Mandy Mazliah
I don't see why not Naomi - I think it should take a similar time to cook and would be really nice. Let me know if you try it!
Kate
This looks really rich and delicious. Im a big fan of sweet potatoes so its nice to find a new recipe for them. Thanks.
Mandy Mazliah
Me too Kate - one of my favourite veggies
Jo @ Jo's Kitchen Larder
It actually does look so meaty and rich even without the meat! Love the addition of peanut butter and I know my kids will too no doubt. Scrummy, quick and easy! Pinned! x
Mandy Mazliah
Hope they do enjoy it if you make it Jo!
Balvinder
OH MY GOSH;. It’s amazing!!! How did I miss this? Love all the ingredients. This is on my to-do list for sure. Have a good day!
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks so much Balvinder - I was so happy with how this one turned out!
jacqui bellefontaine
Great recipe and great series of posts. This stew does look really tasty and rich enough im sure even the most hardened meat eaters would not miss the meat. Definitely marked to try myself. Nice and easy recipe what more could you wnat. Ps love the background cloth
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks Jacqui - I'd love to hear what you think if you do try it. The cloth is from an African fabric shop in Brixton market - I can send you the details if you want to visit and get yourself some - they have lots of off cuts for a few ££ each.
Angela / Only Crumbs Remain
I have to admit that I've never had a peanut stew before, but I can imagine it tasting really good! Definitely going to be giving this a try - after all everything you've used is so easy to get hold of. Pinning. I've really enjoyed your Food for Thought series Mandy,
Angela x
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks so much Angela. This recipe has proved really popular and I think the simplicity of the ingredients is one reason why x
Corina
I had a lovely peanut stew years ago when I was in Tanzania and this reminds me of it. I'm sure it's delicious and definitely a recipe I'd love to try at home too.
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks Corina, I had something similar in Uganda which was one of my favourite dishes there. So good!
Kirsty Hijacked By Twins
This looks and sounds amazing Mandy, even the hubby pointed this one out to me earlier after seeing it on Instagram! x #CookBlogShare
Mandy Mazliah
It's done really well Kirsty, seems to be all over the place - which is rather exciting! I hope he enjoys it if you do end up making it
Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie
This sounds AWESOME!! So up my street 😀 And for such a good cause! I must say I don't know the first thing about Sudanese food - it must have been really interesting to research. Thanks for linking it up to #CookBlogShare! Eb x
Mandy Mazliah
It was interesting Eb - turns out their national dish is ful medames which I wouldn't have expected at all. And they eat falafel but with a different name. x
jenny paulin
i love how you have included peanut butter to this stew Mandy. I might have to bookmark this and give it a go on my fussy eaters one day! x
Mandy Mazliah
Hope it's a success Jenny!
Sadhna Grover
This looks amazing, bookmarked it I am going to try soon. Sweet potatoes are relly healthy. Thanks for the nice recipe dear.
Mandy Mazliah
Hope you enjoy it Sadhna, thanks for commenting x
Sadhna Grover
Hi Mandy,
I made this dish last night, it was very tasty, even my grandchildren ate with rice. I skipped spinach and added fenugreek leaves, which are very healthy and have a nice flavour. Thanks for the nice recipe.
Mandy Mazliah
Hi Sadhna, I'm so pleased that you tried it and enjoyed it. Fenugreek leaves are so delicious but not that easy to come by where I live - next time I visit an area with an Indian supermarket I'll get some and try it!
Tooting Mama
This looks delicious, I have never tried to cook African food. Thanks for the recipe. #brillblogposts
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks so much - hope you enjoy it if you give it a go
Monika Dabrowski
I saw this recipe on facebook and immediately knew I'd love it! And I do! I love the idea of cooking vegetables with peanut butter! Plus it's wonderfully simple and that's a bonus with any recipe:) #CookBlogShare
Mandy Mazliah
I still can't believe how easy it is - or that all of my kids loved it! I hope you like it if you give it a go Monika
Michelle Rolfe
Love the look of this recipe Mandy! I'm often looking for meat free options that the whole family can enjoy! Cheers, Michelle
Mandy Mazliah
Thanks Michelle - hope you enjoy it!
TurksWhoEat
This sounds really great! I've never made any type of peanut stew before but I would definitely like to give this a try.
Mandy Mazliah
It's surprisingly easy - hope you enjoy it!
Rebecca Smith
Wowzers Mandy, this looked too good to pass by, I'll be pushing it if I said my family will eat it (annoying buggers) but I certainly would so the plan...to make this for me with lots of frozen portions mwahaha
Mandy Mazliah
Ha ha! Well I had to blend it up for my eldest kids to eat it but they loved the flavour! Hope you enjoy x